Bridge weavers

Contemporary psychedelic facilitation in shamanic and ceremonial settings, especially with the Shipibo tribe in Peru and ayahuasca ceremonies, requires complex competencies and roles. Based on interviews with eight highly skilled facilitators, five key themes emerged, synthesized into two interrelated domains describing facilitators' responsibilities. The work highlights challenges in non-clinical, non-recreational environments guided by Indigenous shamans. The research aims to improve holding space and safeguarding practices in psychedelic therapy, coaching, and facilitation, while emphasizing the importance of integrating anthropological and diverse viewpoints to respectfully bridge Indigenous and Western perspectives.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This article presents findings of the study on the role and characteristics of contemporary psychedelic facilitation in shamanic and ceremonial settings, with facilitators who work alongside Indigenous shamans in their country of origin. While interest in psychedelics has increased in recent years, there is a paucity of studies that have focused on the process of facilitation within these environments. To address the gaps, this study employed a constructivist grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews with eight highly skilled facilitators were used to collect the data. The interviews explored the complexities of facilitators’ work and their competencies within shamanic and ceremonial contexts. Their experience centred predominantly on the Shipibo tribe in Peru and ayahuasca ceremonies. Five key themes emerged from the analysis, further synthesised into two interrelated domains, depicting facilitators’ roles and responsibilities. The study provides insights into the capabilities of practitioners and challenges they face when operating in non-clinical, non-recreational environments within ceremonial settings guided by Indigenous shamans. Rooted in transpersonal psychology, this research aims to contribute to the development of holding space and safeguarding practices in psychedelic therapy, coaching, and facilitation. It also emphasises the importance of recognising anthropological and other diverse viewpoints, and intends to contribute to the thoughtful and respectful bridging of Indigenous and Western perspectives.